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- Tasks: Lead the sales strategy for Industrial Specialties and drive commercial success.
- Company: Established UK-based chemical manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities to work internationally.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking company and make an impact in the specialty chemicals sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in Chemistry or related field and 5+ years in specialty chemicals sales.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and collaboration across teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading independent UK-based chemical manufacturer, with a strong international reputation for innovation, quality, and sustainability. Established in 1926, the company combines almost a century of manufacturing excellence with a forward-thinking approach to modern materials and specialty chemicals.
Role Overview:
- To lead and independently drive the commercial success of the Industrial Specialties business unit portfolio. The Sales Manager will be responsible for owning customer relationships, identifying new opportunities, and executing growth.
- The role requires a commercially focused, technically credible individual with a deep understanding of the ink & coatings market and a proven ability to deliver sustainable business growth.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead the commercial strategy for Industrial Specialties BU across assigned territories or key accounts.
- Act as the primary commercial contact for key regional and global customers, independently managing all aspects of the customer relationship.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities in targeted geographies, applications and product segments.
- Lead commercial negotiations, pricing discussions, and long-term agreement structuring with a focus on value creation and margin delivery.
- Provide credible technical engagement on performance, specific needs and market-specific challenges.
- Develop and execute account plans, growth roadmaps, and market entry strategies in collaboration with internal teams.
- Establish a strong presence in the industry through customer visits, trade shows, and participation in technical and commercial forums.
- Maintain accurate sales pipeline and forecast data through CRM tools, driving disciplined reporting and planning.
- Liaise with marketing, technical, regulatory, and supply chain teams to ensure alignment and delivery of customer-focused solutions.
- Monitor competitor activity, market shifts, and regulatory developments, using this insight to adapt strategy proactively.
Person Specifications:
- Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Business or related field preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience in specialty chemicals sales.
- Strong background in B2B chemical sales, ideally in inks, coatings and performance additives.
- Deep market insight and technical credibility in inks, coatings or printing applications.
- Self-driven, independent, and commercially strategic thinker with a track record of achieving and exceeding targets.
- Experienced in managing international customers and/or distributor networks.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of a customer organisation.
- Skilled in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce), with strong reporting discipline.
- Comfortable working across functions (technical, regulatory, logistics, marketing) to deliver complete customer solutions.
- Adaptable and pragmatic, able to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving market environment.
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, etc).
- Willingness to travel in UK and internationally as required.
For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.
Why select Listgrove?
- Five Decades of Market Intelligence
- Unrivalled Industry Networks
- Recognised International brand
- HR Qualified Professionals
Sales Manager - Industrial Specialities employer: Listgrove
Contact Detail:
Listgrove Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - Industrial Specialities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at trade shows or local events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you’re chatting with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge about the ink and coatings market. It’ll show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly understands the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Instead of waiting for job openings, reach out directly to companies you admire. A well-timed email expressing your interest can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that Sales Manager role. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored to your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - Industrial Specialities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in specialty chemicals and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive commercial success.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed customer relationships and driven growth in previous positions.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a deep understanding of the ink and coatings market, don’t shy away from showcasing your technical expertise. Mention any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your credibility in this area.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Listgrove
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the ink and coatings market. Understand the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the industry.
✨Showcase Your Achievements
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales growth in previous roles. Use metrics to back up your claims—think percentages, revenue figures, or successful projects. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver results and align with their focus on commercial success.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their company culture and values. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of their team and contribute positively.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, be prepared to answer questions related to specialty chemicals and customer solutions. Brush up on relevant technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you can apply this in real-world scenarios to meet customer needs.
